If we apply for DLA, will it automatically end the Tax Credit claim?

Matt1982

Hi, I just have a question as to how a DLA claim might effect our existing Tax and Working credits claim. 

Our son is three and requires extra help while at nursery. It is suspected, but not officially diagnosed that he has autism. We have been advised to claim DLA as we have been told that we would be very likely be entitled to the benefit. We are currently in receipt of Child Tax and Working Tax credits. Does anyone know if we apply for the DLA it will automatically end the Tax Credit claim, like it does when someone on CTC makes a claim for Universal Credit? I understand DLA and Universal Credit are very different, but the criteria for ending a legacy benefit seems vague.

Thank you!

chiarieds

Hi @Matt1982 - & welcome to the community. if you get DLA for your son, this would in fact not negatively impact on your CTC, in fact you may get more because of having a disabled child. That said, altho you have been advised to apply for DLA, you would need to show that your son has substantially more needs than a child without his disability, whilst you only mention he needs extra help when at his nursery. There's some info here about DLA: https://contact.org.uk/help-for-families/information-advice-services/benefits-financial-help/benefits-and-tax-credits/disability-living-allowance/

calcotti

If you are awarded DLA for your son the income is ignored for Tax Credits and it does not end your Tax Credits. Indeed your Tax Credits will increase if you become eligible for a disabled child element or severely disabled child element.

DLA and UC are completely different types of benefit. DLA is a disability benefit and is not means tested. UC is a means-tested benefit for people on a low income. Tax Credits are also a means tested benefit, that is why claiming UC endsTax Credits.

Matt1982

@chiarieds Thank you for the link. Yes he does have more needs and requires more care than an average three year old at home and always has done. 

Matt1982

@calcotti thank you for taking the time to explain it to me!

Tori_Scope

Welcome to the community @Matt1982 I'm glad that you've been able to get some useful information already. Please do let us know if you have any further questions, either about benefits or anything else.